WO2009049853A2

WO2009049853A2 - Injection-moulded applicators

Info

Publication number: WO2009049853A2
Application number: PCT/EP2008/008661
Authority: WO
Inventors: Norbert PÖTSCHL; Andreas Weber; Georg Röder
Original assignee: Schwan-Stabilo Cosmetics Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2007-10-16
Filing date: 2008-10-13
Publication date: 2009-04-23
Also published as: DE202007014474U1; US20090095317A1; WO2009049853A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of producing an applicator (100) by means of 2-component technology, and to a corresponding applicator (100) which can be used, for example, for distributing a cosmetic substance over the skin, semi-mucous membrane, mucous membrane or hair. The invention proposes improved anchoring of the soft component (102) on the hard component (101) by the formation, between the hard component (101) and the soft component (102), essentially of a connecting region (104) which is arranged in the hard component (101) and has, as connecting element, a part of the soft component (102) which is arranged in the interior of the hard component (101). In the case of the production method according to the invention, the soft component (102) is injection moulded on the hard component (101) at at least one injection point through at least one opening (108) in the region of the circumference of the hard component (101), and therefore the soft component (102) can be injection moulded via at least one channel (105), which runs in the interior of the hard component (101) from the at least one lateral opening (108) to one end of the hard component (101), and a part of the soft component (102) which is located in the interior of the hard component (101) creates positively locking anchoring.

Description

Sprayed applicators

description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an applicator consisting of at least two components with an improved connection between the components.

A preferred application of the applicator is in the field of cosmetic application systems, wherein the applicator is loaded by immersion in a cosmetic substance in order subsequently to apply and distribute it to the skin, semi-mucous membrane, mucous membrane, hair or hair.

Background of the invention

Applicators are in the cosmetics industry, for example in the form of mascara brushes, brushes, brushes, foam sponges or foam rubber applicators, for example, for applying eyelash or Haarmascara, liquid lipstick of high viscosity or the like. Well known. In principle, all types of liquid, pasty, gelatinous or pulverulent substances come into question as cosmetic substances to be applied. A suitably adapted applicator should be capable of achieving a uniform and targeted application as well as a distribution possibly as simultaneously as possible over a larger area of the skin or several hairs of the eyelashes.

From, for example, WO 00/54623 an applicator brush for applying mascara is known. The applicator brush is produced by means of a two-component injection molding process (so-called 2K process). In this case, on a rigid plastic core as a hard component radially projecting bristles molded from a softer plastic as a soft component.

In the known applicators, d. H. Applicators, the part of the soft component serving as the application surface or element is connected by means of conventional bonding techniques with a handle or handle of the hard component of the applicator. Conventional bonding techniques include gluing, clamping, for example, in a ferrule, snap-on snapping, and the like.

Essentially, in applicators made by two-component injection molding, that is, two-component molding, a connection is made between the hard component and the soft component by simply molding the hard component with the soft component. In order to prevent detachment of the soft component serving as the application surface for the substance to be applied, connecting or holding structures are provided in the interface between the two components. These are usually simple ring grooves or annular beads. Nevertheless, the connection of the two components (hard component and soft component) does not appear to be optimal, since, for example, at one of the Opening a cosmetic container provided scraper has been reported by a detachment of the soft component of the hard component.

Known 2K applicators, in particular known compounds between soft and hard components, can be found, for example, in EP 0 038 524, EP 1 384 417 A2 and US 2004/0047676 A1.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the invention to improve the connection between the hard component and the soft component, in particular to reduce or eliminate the risk of detachment of the soft component from the hard component.

This object is achieved by an applicator according to claim 1.

For this purpose, the applicator according to the invention has at least one new form-fitting connection region, which enables an effective anchoring of the hard component with the soft component. The applicator according to the invention consists at least of a hard component and at least one at one end of the applicator, d. H. in the longitudinal direction of the applicator, to the hard component molded soft component to form an application surface, wherein both the hard component and the soft component at least partially made of plastic and the plastic of the hard component is harder than the plastic of the soft component. A connecting region arranged substantially in the interior of the hard component is formed between the hard component and the soft component, wherein at least one part of the soft component arranged in the interior of the hard component is provided there as at least one connecting element.

In addition, at least one part of the hard component disposed inside the soft component may be used as a stabilizer for the soft component as well as for - A -

a further improvement of the connection between soft and hard component can be provided. By means of the length of the stabilizer, the flexibility of longer soft component embodiments can be set particularly advantageously. Therefore, the novel connection has proven particularly useful in applicators in which the soft component protrudes significantly beyond the hard component.

The decisive difference from the known applicators with respect to the stabilizer is that this length can be adjusted based solely on the functional properties of the applicator due to the particularly effective anchoring of the soft component in the hard component according to the invention, since it no longer primarily has a connecting function. Therefore, in this description, the term "stabilizer" is also intended to emphasize the primary function of this element. "Adjustable" stabilizer is to be understood as referring to the manufacturing process and the design of the applicator properties during manufacture.

The applicator of the invention may be used in conjunction with a container, for example a vial, in which a cosmetic substance is stored. To apply the substance, the applicator may be dipped in the vial and the substance contained therein. The surface of the applicator is loaded with the substance. Such systems are commonly known as dip systems. The applicator can be coupled to a handle, which also forms the closure of the container. In alternative embodiments, the applicators according to the invention can also be stored in a case or other container and / or with a cap or a schooner and / or another functional element, such as a sharpener for example, a kohl pen or lip liner, be attached and a cosmetic product, such as an eye shadow or powder, attached. An applicator according to the invention is produced by means of at least one injection molding machine for injecting a soft component of the applicator onto a hard component, the following steps being possible: injection molding of the soft component at at least one injection point by at least one lateral opening, for example in the region of the circumference, in the hard component, wherein the soft component is molded over at least one channel extending inside the hard component from the at least one lateral opening to one end of the hard component such that at least one connecting element between the hard component and the soft component for connection of the two components substantially through the interior of the at least a channel lying part of the soft component is designed as a positive anchoring.

In other words, at least one connecting element between the hard component and the soft component for connecting the two components is produced essentially by the part of the soft component which is located in the interior of the at least one channel for a positive anchoring.

The injection point can thus be particularly advantageous in an area outside the effective area of the applicator, d. H. Application surface, are arranged, in particular with respect to the application end of the applicator in the rear region, d. H. a non-visible area of the applicator. Thus, the aforementioned task with respect to the manufacturing process by the inventive design of the connection region, d. H. the anchoring or connection, between the hard and the soft component dissolved. Particularly noteworthy is the process of molding the soft component to the hard component from the inside out of the hard component.

Due to the inventive design of the connection region, in particular the at least one connecting element formed in the interior of the hard component, and the manufacturing method according to the invention achieved in addition to the usual fusion of the two components in a peripheral zone of their mutual interfaces, a particularly effective form-fitting anchoring. In addition, this design allows a very large degree of freedom in the design of the applicators, since a variety - in terms of shape and surface structure - different applicators can be molded onto the same hard component part by simply changing the mold for the soft component. Likewise, the reverse case, ie different hard component components with the same applicator, can be easily realized if the position of the injection point or the injection points and the arrangement of the lying inside the hard component connection area, ie the connecting or anchoring element, with respect to the applicator not changed. As a result, maximum variability is also given with regard to the hard component parts.

In a specific embodiment, at least one opening for injecting the soft component and / or venting during injection molding is located in the vicinity of the end of the anchoring element located inside the hard component in the hard component. After the soft component has been sprayed on, the at least one opening is also filled with the soft component, so that the soft component forms a rod-shaped additional anchorage, also referred to as a connecting rod in this description.

In a particular development, at least one opening is provided in the hard component for at least one web-shaped anchorage formed by the soft component, also referred to as anchoring web in this description. The at least one anchoring web establishes a connection between the part of the soft component lying inside the hard component and a part of the soft component arranged on the outer surface of the hard component. Thus, the essential difference to an anchor rod of the above-mentioned embodiments is that a member formed by the soft component Anchoring webs similar to the links of a chain penetrate through the opening in the hard component or embrace, ie, such a trained anchoring web between the soft component and the hard component produces a releasable only by means of destruction form-locking connection. A particular advantage of one or more such anchoring webs z. B. directly in the outer transition region between the soft component and the hard component is that so that a partial detachment of the soft component of the hard component can be selectively prevented.

An advantageous development of the invention provides to further improve the anchoring of the soft component in the hard component in that a part of the hard component protrudes into the soft component, d. H. extends into the soft component.

In another advantageous embodiment, additional functional elements for the end user, such as the already mentioned sharpener for a kohl pen or lip liner, in the rear region of the applicator, d. H. the side facing away from the application area provided.

It has been associated with dip systems, i. H. Cosmetic products in which the cosmetic to be applied is in a container in which the applicator is immersed and in which the applicator is in the closed state inside the container, found to be advantageous, the soft component not for a gas-tight limiting function when closing the container use. In particular, it is advantageous to ensure that, in the closed state, no pressure gradient occurs between the application surface located in the interior of the container and the outside world. Thus, a migration of components of the cosmetic substance into the material of the applicator or into the connection region out of the container can be avoided.

In application systems, such as the dip systems mentioned above, the applicator according to the invention can form part of a closure for liquid and / or gastight completion of the system. So that no volatile components can escape from the reservoir of the cosmetic substance, the required sealing function can be achieved by selecting a suitable material for the hard component. In other words, the soft component is not used in the sealing function. In particular, the material of the soft component can be selected solely from the point of application, such as with regard to hardness, elasticity, certain surface properties with respect to the substance to be applied or the type of skin or hair to be applied to the etc. The material of the hard component can turn so be selected that the required sealing function can be achieved by the contact surface between the container and the hard component with a closed container makes a sufficient seal of the gas space.

Depending on the application, the surface structure of the soft component may be different geometrical arrangements and dimensions of dimples.

Bristles, fins, lines, grooves, ridges, waves, honeycombs, cups, cams,

Crowns, erosion, knurled or cord structures, or the like and any

Combinations of these structural elements possible. These structures can be regular or irregular. It can be so from those with a closed surface to those with an open-pore

Surface, as it has, for example, a sponge applicator, a

Variety of application areas are generated.

The geometric design of the soft component itself can in many ways, for example, wedge-shaped, convex, cylindrical, with or without (flat) application surfaces (flattening), tapered, in projectile form or as a cone towards the tip, or in other design forms depending on Ergonomic and design aspects are designed.

The preparation of an applicator according to the invention provides that under

Application of the two-component injection (casting) technique or the 2-component technique, the soft component to the hard component by means of at least one Injected injection molding machine, or this is wholly or partially overmolded. By choosing the plastic of the soft component, the degree of flexibility of the soft component can be adjusted freely, without generally complicating the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the disadvantages of the complex production and a microbiological burden do not occur because the injection molding of the plastic of the soft component takes place at temperatures or conditions hostile to microorganisms.

It is not crucial that the hard component is completely produced exclusively in the previous injection molding process of plastic. Likewise, before the injection of the hard component at least one insert, for example made of metal, wood or thermoset or a prefabricated locking or coupling element for later coupling with a pin, handle or serving as a handle closure part of a container or the like. Be inserted into the injection machine, so that during the injection process, d. H. during the extrusion coating with the plastic of the hard component, a composite molded part is formed. A sterility of the applicator can be ensured, as u. U. microorganisms introduced with the insert into the injection machine during encapsulation with the plastic of the hard component are killed. The same applies to the molding of the soft component.

Another advantage of the embodiment according to the invention of the connection between hard and soft component is that the contact surface between the two components is additionally increased in comparison to the known embodiments by the positive anchoring of the soft component in the interior of the hard component.

In the case of suitable material combinations, a bonding layer in the form of a mixing layer consisting of the two materials can form between the soft component and the hard component during injection molding. Then, in addition to the positive anchoring in addition a material connection between the hard component and the Soft component generated. This mixing layer also has the effect that the soft component can no longer be detached from the hard component in a non-destructive or extremely difficult manner.

Depending on the material, the said mixing effect can be enhanced by injecting after the injection molding process to produce the hard component by completely cooling it to ambient or room temperature. A favorable processing temperature of the material of the hard component is between 30 ° C and 80 ⁰ C and preferably between 60 ⁰ C and 80 ⁰ C. This corresponds to a preferred cooling time after spraying the hard component depending on the material thickness of the hard component and the ambient temperature of about 10 s to about 25 s. In the case of other materials, however, the injection molding can also take place at a lower processing temperature (5 ° C. or less). In any case, by selectively selecting the processing temperature which is suitable for the material, the hard component can be melted more or less strongly during the injection molding of the soft component, and thus the thickness of the mixing layer can be adjusted. It has proved advantageous to have a mixing layer thickness of between 1/100 mm and a few 1/10 mm. Optionally, the hard component may also be preheated prior to injection of the soft component. The formation of the mixing layer can thus be controlled independently of the production of the hard component and, in principle, can also be transferred to inserts made of thermoplastic material or the like.

In an advantageous embodiment, the material for the soft component is a plastic from the group consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). This may be z. For example, one off

Blocks of different monomers existing block copolymer act.

Due to the variation possibilities of chemical composition and

"Architecture" of the molecular chains can thus be used to produce plastics with different properties. Due to the insolubility of the individual sequences of the chains agglomerates or physical networks are formed in the plastic the individual building blocks. This category includes, for example, styrene block copolymers, styrene elastomers (PTE-S), vulcanized

Polyolefin elastomers (PTE-V), polyolefin elastomers (PTE-O),

Polyamide elastomers (PTE-A), polyurethane elastomers (PTE-U) and polyester elastomers (PTE-E). Also suitable are plastics from the group of real elastomers, such. For example, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber.

Alternatively, a TPE blend consisting of a thermoplastic matrix and elastic particles can be used. By melting the matrix, the material can be processed like a thermoplastic, the elastic particles give the plastic its elastic usability. It is important to have good mixing and adhesion of the matrix to the particles. This type of material includes PP-EPDM, PP-NR, PP-IIR blends or polyolefin thermoplastics as PP-EPM blend.

By using a suitable TPE material, a wide range of mechanical, haptic, optical, dynamic or wetting properties can be achieved, such. B. a wide range of hardness, temperature resistance, deformation resistance, oil resistance,

Hydrolysis resistance, weather resistance, processability, adhesion to the plastics of the hard component, dyeability, damping, strength, abrasion and the like.

Concerning. The materials for the hard component should be noted, which is basically any material that provides sufficient hardness, ie mechanical stability, for the function as a carrier of the soft component, is suitable. In connection with the preferred here 2K method are suitable as a material for the hard component especially plastics from the group of thermoplastics. This category includes, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS), polyoxymethylene copolymers (POM-C), polycarbonate (PC), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), Polyphenylene ether (PPE), or Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). Of course, other materials that have equivalent properties may also be used.

In principle it should be pointed out that the hard component can in principle also consist of any other "hard" material to which molded in the production of the applicator described here, the soft component as an application element according to the inventive method and a connection between soft component and hard component according to the basic idea the invention is produced.

Further advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the respective subclaims.

Brief description of the drawings

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures. Show it:

Fig. 1 a-1d a first embodiment of an applicator according to the invention;

2a, 2b, a second embodiment of an applicator according to the invention with a sharpener as an additional functional element.

2c, 2d, a development of the second embodiment with a schooner for the application surface;

3a, 3b, a third embodiment of an applicator according to the invention with a hard component in the shape of a stem and a shortened stabilizer.

4a, 4b, a fourth embodiment of an applicator according to the invention with nubs on the soft component and a

Hard component in stem form and an extended stabilizer; and 5a, 5b, an advantageous development as a fifth embodiment of an applicator according to the invention with a further or alternative anchoring in the vicinity of the transition region between the soft and hard component.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

It follows a more detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawing figures.

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b show an inventive applicator 100 in a scale of 5: 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1b is an illustration of the section plane A-A of the applicator 100 of FIG. 1a. Without impairing the essential object of the improved connection between hard component 101 and soft component 102, the injection point of the soft component 102 is in a region outside the effective area of the applicator 100, i. H. the application area W, relocated. In particular, this region may be the rear region, preferably a region of the applicator 100 which is not visible on the end product.

The displacement of the injection point to at least one lateral opening 108 away from the surface of the soft component is achieved by the special embodiment of the injection of the soft component 102, as shown in FIGS. 1 a, 1 b. Particularly advantageously, the injection point with respect to the application surface W to the rear, d. H. to the soft component opposite end of the hard component 101 may be provided. At this end is usually the coupling region of the applicator with, for example, a handle or closure for a container.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1a to 1d, the injection molding was performed by the at least one lateral opening 108 in the region of the circumference of the hard component 101. The outer shape of the periphery of the hard component 101 in the figures is circular. However, the peripheral shape does not necessarily have to be circular, in principle, the scope can be configured arbitrarily, for example, oval, but also as a polygon.

As shown in FIG. 1 b, in the connection region 104 between the hard component 101 and the soft component 102 there is at least one channel 105 which, as can be clearly seen from the soft component alone in FIG. 1d, is tubular. For the connection, the channel 105 is thus located in the hard component 101 as a tubular first connection element 101 ^* in the form of a tubular recess. The channel 105 is filled after the injection of the soft component with a corresponding second connecting element 102 ^* from the material of the soft component 102, which then necessarily has a tubular shape. The connection thus consists of a telescopic, positive connection of the two components 101, 102. The quasi-nested fasteners 101 ^* , 102 ^* result in a highly resilient connection.

As will become apparent from the following description of further embodiments, the connection according to the invention allows an application-related adjustment of the length of a stabilizer 109. The anchoring of the soft component in the interior of the hard component is further secured against detachment by the material in the at least one lateral opening 108 , The transition region between hard component and soft component 101, 102, which is necessarily carried out over a particularly large area in the case of the known 2K applicators for a secure connection, can be made almost arbitrarily small in the applicator of the invention. This minimal annular transition region is marked 103 in FIG. 1 b.

Of course, instead of one, two or more openings 108 for injection molding, ie injection points, can be provided. In an advantageous development further openings are provided as a connection from the channel 105 to the outside to allow venting of the channel 105 during injection. The vents make sure that in the Hard component air can be completely displaced during injection molding of the soft component and so the lying inside the applicator 100 channel 105 is completely filled with the soft component 102. This also avoids that the air in the channel 105 as a result of compaction does not lead to a deformation of the surrounding material.

Fig. 1 b shows a cross section of the embodiment of the applicator 100 of FIG. 1 a. Clearly two diametrically opposite openings 108 of the hard component 101 can be seen. These openings 108 serve as injection points for the soft component 102 in the manufacture of the applicator 100. The openings 108 for molding the soft component 102 serve in addition to their primary function also a simultaneous improvement of the anchoring of the soft component 102 in the hard component 101, since after solidification or Solidification of the soft component 102 in the openings form rods 107, which have an additional positive anchoring effect. In further developments, other structural elements formed by the soft component 102, such as, for example, claws or claws, can also be produced for such additional anchors. The basic idea of these anchor elements consists in the radial engagement of the hard component 101 by the solidified soft component 102 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator.

In one development of the present invention, the anchoring of the soft component 102 in the hard component 101 can be further improved if, in addition to the rods 107 shown in FIGS. 1a to 1d, parts of the hard component 101 in the form of, for example, claws or the stabilizer 109 in FIG the soft component 102 protrude.

The arrangement of the stabilizer 109 may be centric or eccentric to the longitudinal axis of the applicator 100. It is also conceivable here to provide a plurality of claws, rods or other structural elements on the hard component 101, which support a permanent connection of the hard component 101 with the soft component 102. In addition, it is also conceivable that the parts of the hard component extending into the soft component 102, such as the Stabilizer 109, in turn, additional additional structural elements, such as claws, rods 107, nipple-shaped extensions or a combination thereof, to further support the anchoring of the two components or the interface and thus the adhesion between the hard component 101 and the soft component 102nd to enlarge.

Fig. 1c and Fig. 1d show the solidified soft component 102 in isolation. In this case, in Fig. 1c very clearly serve as the anchor serving as rods 107 and in Fig. 1 c and 1 d of the very small running on the applicator outer transition region in the form of an annular circumferential lip 112. In Fig. 1d, an eruption is still shown on the soft component 102 (dotted tear-out marked 111). Attention should be drawn here to the second connecting element 102 ^* which is clearly visible in FIGS. 1c and 1d.

The invention, compared to known embodiments, essentially displaced into the interior of the hard component 101 in the connection region 104

Connection, allows a great deal of freedom for the design of the

Applicator 100. So can on the same hard component part by simple

Changing the mold for the soft component 102 a plurality of different applicators are molded, so that the applicators can differ in shape and surface design of the soft component. Also it is possible to different versions of the

To realize hard components with the same design of the soft component.

Of course, this also includes variations of both the soft and hard components. Only the position of the injection points should not be changed.

The outer surface of the soft component 102 may be partially or completely provided with a surface structure having a plurality of structural elements. Such structural elements may for example comprise nubs 420 (FIG. 4b), but also bristles, lamellae or other known structural elements as well as any combination thereof are possible. In addition, even additional functional elements for the user, as in the case of the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 2a-2d, may be provided in the rear area, ie, the side away from the application area. For example, the applicator 200 illustrated in FIG. 2a and in the sectional plane AA in FIG. 2b has, as an additional functional element, a sharpener 240 for, for example, a kohl pen or a lip liner.

In Fig. 2b also the minimum outer transition region 103 can be seen again. For the connection, the channel 105 is thus located in the hard component 201 as a tubular first connection element 201 ^* in the form of a tubular recess, which is filled with a corresponding second connection element 202 ^* made of the material of the soft component 202 after the soft component has been injection-molded.

In addition, the use of a protective cap or a schooner 245 for the applicator 200, as shown in Fig. 2c and also in the sectional plane C-C in Fig. 2d, particularly easy to implement. The schooner 245 serves primarily

To avoid contamination of hand or make-up bags by already in use applicators. When in use

Applicators are usually residues of the cosmetic mass or substance on the application surface W of the applicator 200. The schooner 245 protects the applicator but also from contamination and mechanical

Damage.

To improve the hygiene conditions, the cap or the schooner 245 in the same or a second close to the first injection molding machine for the applicator 200 arranged spraying machine, preferably at the same time, be prepared with the injection molding of the soft component 101. The cap or the protector 245 is particularly preferably applied in a further process step in the same spraying machine after the injection of the soft component 102 on the soft component 102, so as to minimize the time in which contamination with germs would be possible. alternative the cap or the schooner 245 is placed on the soft component 102 on a mounting device between the spraying machine for the applicator 200 and the second spraying machine for the cap 245.

A third and a fourth exemplary embodiment of an applicator 300, 400 is shown in the FIGS. 3a, 3b and 4a, 4b. In this case, the figure 3b and 4b each show a cross-sectional view of the sectional planes AA of Figure 3a and 4a. The respective parts consisting of the hard component 301 or 401 are designed in the form of a handle 325 or 425 in both exemplary embodiments. For the connection, in each case in the hard component 301 or 401, the at least one channel 105 as the tubular first connecting element 301 ^* or 401 ^* in the form of a tubular recess which after injection of the soft component with the corresponding second connecting element 302 ^* or 402 ^{* is} filled from the material of the soft component 302 or 402.

For coupling the handle 325 or 425 on a handle or closure (not shown) is in each case a locking coupling 330 or 430 with an annular circumferential snap nose 331 and 431 on the soft component 302 and 402 opposite end of the handle 325 and 425th educated. As an anti-rotation on the coupling of the handle 325 or 425 with a handle or a closure for a container, not shown additional teat structures 333 and 433 are indicated for a positive engagement with the handle or closure, not shown.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 3a, 3b, the stabilizer 309 embodied as part of the hard component 301 lies shortened in the interior of the hard component 301. As a result, the application surface W of the soft component 302 already has a high degree of flexibility shortly after the hard component 301.

4a, 4b show an embodiment of the applicator, in which serving as the application surface W outer surface of the soft component 402 studs 420 are formed. Of course, any other structures already mentioned and variations in the surface density of these elements are possible.

The stabilizer 409 realized as a part of the hard component 401 projects far into the soft component 402 in the embodiment of FIGS. 4a, 4b, in particular in comparison with the previous exemplary embodiments. This serves to stabilize the soft component and is particularly advantageous for very long soft tissues.

5a, 5b show an advantageous development as a fifth embodiment of an applicator 500 according to the invention, wherein in comparison to the embodiments of Figs. 1a to 4b another or an alternative embodiment of the anchorage in the form of one or more anchoring webs directly in the transition region 103 between soft component 502 and hard component 501 is provided. For the connection, in the hard component 501, the at least one channel 105 is again in the form of the tubular recess as the tubular first connecting element 501 ^* , the channel 105 after the soft component 502 having been injected with the corresponding second connecting element 502 ^* from the material of the soft component 502 is filled.

The further anchoring is formed in the applicator 500 of two oval or in the form of a long hole perforations or openings 108 ^* in the hard component 501 in the transition region 103, which are filled in the final state of the molded soft component 502. In this case, the soft component forms anchoring webs 107 ^* , wherein the term anchoring web is based on the connecting function of a web, since material of the soft component is located on both sides of the opening 108 ^* , such that an anchoring web 107 ^{* forms} a closed connection between the outside of the hard component Soft component and arranged in the connection region soft component produces. The terms "outside" and "inside" are used with reference to the shape of the hard component, ie, "the soft component disposed outside the hard component" means approximately "visible from outside", whereas "the soft component disposed within the hard component" is substantially "from" FIG Outside not visible "means.

The essential difference from the anchoring rods 107, ie anchoring rods, of the embodiments of FIGS. 1a to 4b is that the anchoring ribs 107 ^* formed by the soft component in the embodiment of FIGS. 5a and 5b are similar to the members of a chain Openings 108 ^* in the hard component 501 pass through or embrace. In other words, the anchoring formed in the transition region 103 between the soft component 502 and the hard component 501 as a connecting web produces a form-locking connection that can only be released by means of destruction. A particular advantage of such anchoring webs directly in the transition region 103 between the soft component 502 and the hard component 501 is that in addition a partial detachment or a protrusion of the soft component from the hard component can be prevented, for. B. so that the circumferential lip 112 additionally fixed or stabilized.

Of course, the anchoring webs 107 ^{* can be made} in any desired geometric shape, in particular cross-sectional configuration. That is, in addition to the oval version shown, round, rectangular, polygonal cross sections are possible. Also, multiple rows of anchoring bars may be provided at different distances from the applicator tip.

In comparison of all embodiments of FIGS. 1 b, 2 b, 2 d, 3 b and 4 b, a different length of the stabilizer 109, 309 or 409 can be set as required. Thus, the stabilizer 109 can terminate in its length with the edge of the hard component 101 (FIGS. 1a to 2d). However, it is also possible that the stabilizer is set shorter (FIG. 3b, 309, FIG. 5b, 509) or longer (FIG. 4b, 409) than the edge of the hard component 301 or 401. The ability to entrain the application surface with respect to the substance or mass to be applied, ie the holding power or the holding force, can be adjusted very selectively by the choice of suitable structural elements, and thus on the particular application, ie on the intended area for application of the skin and the properties the cosmetic substance, such as viscosity, surface adhesion, coverage, etc., vote individually. This is facilitated by the injection molding process. The driving ability can also be adjusted to the particular application by suitable choice of the frictional resistance, for example by a suitable choice of the plastic of the soft component and its hardness is taken.

It should be noted that neither application examples of the applicator according to the invention and the method according to the invention for producing the applicator according to the invention with improved connection or anchoring of hard and soft components are to be understood as conclusive.

In principle, any type of surface structure may have one or more preferred directions, which need not necessarily be perpendicular to the surface of the soft component. The preferred direction of the structural elements can be adjusted depending on the ergonomic handling of the applicator depending on the intended application. The exemplified structures and materials can also be used in combination on the same soft component. For example, different structures may be provided on opposite faces of the same soft component for different applications, such as blending, spreading, and so on. It is also possible to mix the structural elements on an application surface or over the entire soft component.

Finally, the core idea of the invention described above is summarized, which relates to a method for producing an applicator by means of a 2K technique and a corresponding applicator. An inventive applicator can be particularly advantageous for distributing a cosmetic substance on the skin, semi-mucous membrane, mucous membrane, hairs or hair can be used. Other applications are conceivable. The invention proposes an improved anchoring of the soft component to the hard component by essentially forming a connection region arranged in the hard component between the hard component and the soft component, which has a part of the soft component arranged as a connecting element inside the hard component. In the manufacture of the applicator, the soft component is injected onto the hard component at at least one injection point through at least one opening in the region of the circumference of the hard component such that the soft component extends over at least one inside the hard component from the at least one lateral opening to one end of the hard component Channel can be injection molded and a lying inside the hard component part of the soft component produced a positive anchoring, so that the applicator must have no visible injection point in the region formed by the soft component application surface.

Claims

claims

An applicator (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) comprising: a hard component (101; 301; 401; 501) and a soft component (102; 202; 302; 402; 502) molded to the hard component to form an application surface (W), where both the

Hard component and the soft component at least partially made of plastic and the plastic of the hard component is harder than the plastic of the soft component, wherein a substantially inside the hard component arranged connecting portion (104; 204; 304; 404) formed between the hard component and the soft component which has at least one part of the soft component arranged inside the hard component as at least one anchoring element (102 ^* ; 202 ^* ; 302 ^* ; 402 ^* ; 502 ^* ).

An applicator (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) according to claim 1, wherein additionally at least one part of the hard component disposed inside the soft component is provided as a stabilizer (109; 309; 409; 509).

3. An applicator (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the soft component is at least partially rotationally symmetric with respect to the longitudinal direction of the applicator.

The applicator (400) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer surface of the soft component at least partially has a surface structure with a plurality of structural elements (420).

The applicator (400) of claim 4, wherein the structural members comprise nubs (420), bristles, fins, or a combination thereof.

6. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the hard component at least one opening (108) for molding the soft component (102; 202; 302; 402; 502) and / or bleeding during injection ^' in the vicinity of the inside of the hard component lying End of the anchoring element (102 ^* ; 202 ^* ; 302 ^* ; 402 ^* ; 502 ^* ) is provided.

7. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the hard component (501) at least one opening (108 ^* ) for at least one through the soft component (502) formed anchoring web (107 ^* ) is provided, wherein the at least one

An anchoring land (107 ^* ) is a connection between the part of the soft component (502) inside the hard component (501) and a part of the soft component (502) disposed on the outer surface of the hard component (501).

8. An applicator according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the outer shape of the circumference in the region of a lateral opening (108) and / or opening (108 ^* ) of the hard component is circular, oval or formed as a polygon.

9. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the soft component extends longitudinally beyond the anchoring element (102 ^* ; 202 ^* ; 302 ^* ; 402 ^* ; 502 ^* ).

10. The applicator according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 9, wherein the stabilizer (109; 309; 409; 509) is arranged in the soft component centric or eccentric with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator (100).

11. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein as an additional anchoring one or more jaws, rods (107) or a combination of material of the soft component relative to the longitudinal axis extend substantially radially into the hard component.

12. An applicator (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator on the soft component (202) opposite side of a functional element, in particular a sharpener (240).

13. An applicator (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the region of the soft component (202) of the applicator (200) a removable schooner (245) is provided.

The applicator (300; 400) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hard component (301; 401; 501) is formed as a stem (325; 425).

The applicator (300; 400) of claim 14, wherein a coupling (330; 430) is formed on the stem (325; 425) for coupling the stem to a handle and / or to a closure for a container.

16. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 15, wherein on the stabilizer are provided with respect to the longitudinal direction of the applicator substantially radially extending into the soft component claws, rods or a combination thereof.

An applicator (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, for immersion in a cosmetic substance and for applying and distributing it to the skin, semi-mucous membrane, mucous membrane, hair or hair.

The applicator (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) of claim 1, wherein the soft component at the injection point is molded into an area outside the effective area of the applicator.

The applicator (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) according to claim 1, wherein the soft component is injected in the rear region, in a non-visible region or on the end opposite the application surface (W) of the applicator.